10 Exceptional First-Person Shooter Games That Defined The Last 10 Years

5. Half Life 2

The highly-anticipated followup from the original Half Life didn't disappoint. Half Life 1 was a huge success for the PC, so it's fair to say the sequel that landed in the hands of game console owners opened up with some skepticism. That skepticism was quickly dismissed. With an absolutely gripping campaign/story mode attached, Half Life 2 immediately sucks you in from start to finish and never lets go. The game has so many things to offer: from being able to manipulate your environment with the gravity gun, to awesomely fun, open world-like driving sequences. Being able to fight a variety of opponents with lots of creative weapons also allows the game to feel separate from its counterparts - it's an action-packed thriller that doesn't relent for a second. The defining moment of the game, however, is - without question - the addition of Counter-Strike: Source. This is essentially a game in itself. Counter Strike has been a fan favorite for years, so the addition of a refined version was a real treat for those who bought Half-Life 2. Pinning you and your buddies against a group of randoms has never been more enjoyable.